How to Switch Internet Providers
Quick Answer: To switch internet providers with zero downtime: (1) order new service with overlapping installation date, (2) schedule new installation 1-2 days before canceling old service, (3) test new connection thoroughly, (4) cancel old service, (5) return old equipment within 14 days. The entire process takes 3-7 days from decision to completion.
Step 1: Check What Providers Are Available
Before switching, confirm which providers serve your address. Enter your ZIP code on provider websites or use our provider search tool. In most US markets, you will have 2-4 options including cable, fiber (if available), 5G fixed wireless, and DSL. Compare current pricing:
- Spectrum: 300 Mbps, $49.99/month, no contract, no data cap
- AT&T Fiber: 300/300 Mbps, $55/month, no data cap on fiber
- Xfinity: 200 Mbps, $35/month and up, 1.2 TB cap on most plans
- Verizon Fios: 300/300 Mbps, $49.99/month, no data cap
- T-Mobile 5G: $50/month flat, unlimited data, no contract
Step 2: Review Your Current Contract
Check whether you are under a service agreement with an early termination fee (ETF). Most ETFs range from $100-240 depending on the provider and remaining contract months. Some providers prorate the ETF based on months remaining. If you are within 1-2 months of contract expiration, it is usually worth waiting to avoid the fee.
Providers with no contracts: Spectrum, T-Mobile, and Verizon Fios (most plans). Providers that may have contracts: Xfinity (some plans), AT&T (some legacy plans).
Step 3: Order New Service First
Always establish new service before canceling old service. This overlap period (typically 3-7 days) costs a few extra dollars but ensures you are never without internet. When ordering new service:
- Schedule the installation appointment for a day you can be home
- Ask about self-installation options (saves $35-100 in installation fees)
- Confirm the exact monthly price, including all fees and taxes
- Ask if there are any new-customer promotions, gift cards, or waived fees
- Confirm the data cap policy and contract terms (if any)
Step 4: Test Your New Connection
After installation, thoroughly test the new connection before canceling your old service. Run speed tests at different times of day using tools described in our speed testing guide. Test video calls, streaming, gaming, or whatever activities matter most to you. This testing period is your safety net: if the new service is unacceptable, you can cancel it within the trial period and keep your old service.
Step 5: Cancel Old Service
Once you have confirmed the new connection works well, call your old provider to cancel. Be prepared for a retention offer. If the retention offer is compelling enough, you can always cancel the new service instead (assuming it is within any trial period). Key cancellation tips:
- Note the exact cancellation date and request a confirmation number or email
- Ask about your final bill and any prorated charges
- Confirm the equipment return process and deadline (typically 14-30 days)
- Request written confirmation that your account is closed with a zero balance
Step 6: Return Old Equipment
Return rental equipment (modem, router, cable boxes) promptly to avoid unreturned equipment charges, which can reach $150-300 per device. Return options by provider:
- Xfinity: Drop off at any Xfinity Store or UPS location with prepaid label
- AT&T: Return to AT&T store, UPS, or FedEx with prepaid label
- Spectrum: Drop off at any Spectrum store
- Verizon: Use the prepaid return kit mailed to you
Critical: Get a receipt when returning equipment. Providers sometimes claim equipment was not returned, and your receipt is your only proof. Take a photo of the equipment and receipt before leaving the store.
Minimizing Downtime During the Switch
For those who cannot tolerate any internet downtime (remote workers, businesses), here are additional strategies:
- Overlap services: Run both connections for 3-7 days. The extra cost is worth the peace of mind.
- Mobile hotspot backup: Keep a phone hotspot available during the transition. Most phone plans include 5-15 GB of hotspot data.
- Schedule strategically: If possible, schedule the switch during a weekend or holiday when work demands are lower.
Find the best provider to switch to:
Pre-Switch Checklist: What to Do Before You Order New Service
A smooth provider switch requires preparation. Completing these steps before ordering new service prevents common problems that leave households temporarily without internet.
Document your current setup: Before changing anything, record your current internet plan details, account number, and any associated email addresses or services tied to your account. If you use your ISP's email address (like @comcast.net), migrate important contacts and accounts to a personal email provider like Gmail or Outlook before canceling. ISP email addresses stop working when you cancel service, and recovering lost contacts after the fact is extremely difficult.
Check for equipment return requirements: List all rented equipment (modem, router, cable boxes, streaming devices) and their serial numbers. Failure to return equipment within the provider's specified timeframe (typically 14-30 days) results in unreturned equipment charges of $100-300 per device. Photograph equipment before packing it for return to document its condition in case of disputes.
Review your contract terms: If you are under contract, calculate the early termination fee (ETF) and compare it to the savings from switching. If the ETF is $100 and switching saves $30/month, the switch pays for itself in less than 4 months. Some new providers offer credits or reimbursement for competitor ETFs as part of their sign-up promotions. Ask the new provider specifically about ETF reimbursement programs before committing. For more on understanding your contract terms, see our internet contracts guide.
The Switching Process: Day-by-Day Timeline
Follow this timeline for a seamless transition between internet providers with zero downtime.
Day 1 - Order new service: Sign up with your new provider online or by phone. Schedule installation for a day when someone will be home for the entire appointment window (typically 2-4 hours). Request the earliest available installation date. Do NOT cancel your current service yet.
Day 2-7 - Installation window: On installation day, the technician will verify service availability at your address, install any necessary wiring, connect and test the equipment, and confirm speeds meet the plan specifications. Test the connection yourself after the technician leaves: run a speed test at speedtest.net or fast.com, verify all devices connect to the new network, and confirm video calls and streaming work properly.
Day 3-8 - Verification period: Keep your old service active for 2-3 days after new service is installed. This overlap period lets you verify the new connection is stable before removing your safety net. If the new service has issues, you still have internet access while they are resolved. The cost of 2-3 days of overlapping service ($3-5) is worthwhile insurance against being left without internet.
Day 5-10 - Cancel old service: Once you are confident in your new connection, call your old provider to cancel. Be prepared for retention offers. If they offer a price that beats your new provider, you can still accept since most new providers have a cancellation window. Return all rented equipment within the specified timeframe, get a return receipt, and confirm your final bill reflects a prorated charge, not a full month.
Post-Switch Optimization
After switching, take these steps to ensure you are getting the most out of your new internet service from day one.
Reconfigure your home network: Update the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password on your new router to match your old network. This prevents the need to reconnect every device in your home individually. If you use a separate router (not the provider's equipment), connect it to the new modem and your existing network configuration transfers automatically.
Update DNS settings: If you had custom DNS settings on your old router, apply them to the new setup. Using Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8) instead of your new provider's default DNS can improve browsing speed and reliability. See our home network guide for DNS configuration instructions.
Run baseline speed tests: Document your speeds during the first week at various times of day. This establishes a performance baseline that you can reference if speeds degrade later. If initial speeds are significantly below your plan's advertised rates, contact the new provider immediately while you are still within the early cancellation window. Most providers guarantee their advertised speeds within a reasonable margin (typically 80-90% of the stated rate).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to switch internet providers?
The typical timeline is 3-7 days from ordering new service to fully transitioning. Self-install options (common with cable and 5G) can be same-day. Professional installations may require a 2-5 day wait for an available appointment. Plan for a 1-3 day overlap period running both services simultaneously.
Will I lose my email address when I switch?
If you use a provider-issued email (e.g., @comcast.net, @att.net), you may lose access after cancellation, though some providers offer a grace period. Before switching, update all accounts that use your ISP email to a free service like Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo Mail that you can keep regardless of internet provider.
Can I keep my phone number when switching?
If you have a VoIP phone through your ISP (like Xfinity Voice), you can usually port your number to the new provider or a separate VoIP service. Request the port before canceling your old service. Number porting typically takes 1-3 business days to complete.
What if my new internet service is worse than expected?
Most providers offer a 14-30 day satisfaction guarantee or trial period. If the new service does not meet your expectations, cancel within this window for a full refund and reactivate your old service (or explore other alternatives). This is why we recommend overlapping service periods during the transition.
Should I switch for a lower price even if my current service works fine?
If you are overpaying by $20+ per month, switching saves $240+ per year. First try negotiating with your current provider (see our negotiation guide). If they will not match competitor pricing, switching is financially rational despite the minor inconvenience of installation and equipment setup.
How long does it take to switch internet providers?
The entire process typically takes 5-10 days from ordering new service to canceling old service. New service installation can be scheduled as soon as 1-3 days after ordering, sometimes same-day for providers offering self-install kits. Adding a 2-3 day verification period before canceling old service brings the total timeline to about a week. Some fiber installations in areas where new construction is needed may take 2-4 weeks, so check the timeline when ordering.
Will I lose my phone number if I switch internet providers?
If you have VoIP phone service through your internet provider, you need to port your number before canceling. Contact your new provider to initiate a number port, which typically takes 3-10 business days. Do not cancel your old service until the port is complete, as canceling before the port finishes can permanently lose your number. If your phone service is through a separate provider (like a cell carrier), switching internet providers has no effect on your phone service.
What if the new provider's service is worse than expected?
Most providers offer a 14-30 day satisfaction guarantee or early cancellation period. If speeds are significantly below advertised rates or reliability is poor, contact the provider for troubleshooting first. If issues persist, cancel within the guarantee period to avoid early termination fees. This is why keeping your old service active for a few days after switching is important. If you need to switch back, the old provider often welcomes returning customers with new promotional rates.
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